Richard C. Lien
Richard "Rich" Curtis Lien, age 81, of Sioux Falls, SD, passed away Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD. Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00 PM on Monday, July 27, 2026, at George Boom Funeral Home & On-Site Crematory, Sioux Falls. His Memorial Service will be at 10:00 AM Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at George Boom Funeral Home & On-Site Crematory, Sioux Falls. Interment to follow at Hills of Rest Cemetery, Sioux Falls.
Richard Curtis Lien, son of Thelmer and Gladys (Sundem) Lien, was born on August 17, 1944, in Luverne, Minnesota. He grew up in the Hills-Beaver Creek area and graduated from Beaver Creek High School in 1962.
Rich proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1965 to 1967. He was stationed overseas in Germany and was honorably discharged.
On July 11, 1970, Rich was united in marriage to Victoria “Vicki” Frank in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Together, they were blessed with a son, Ryan, and shared more than 49 years of marriage filled with love, memories, and a life built together.
Rich spent his career working in the automotive industry at several dealerships. He eventually became a Service Advisor at Vern Eide Honda, where he dedicated more than 25 years before retiring.
Rich had a passion for classic cars and eventually purchased one of his own, a 1929 Ford Roadster. He and Vicki enjoyed attending car shows with the Renner Car Club and the Beaver Creek Boys. One of their favorite traditions was attending the “Back to the 50’s” car show in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where they enjoyed the cars, the memories, and the friendships they made along the way.
After retirement, Rich and Vicki enjoyed their time as snowbirds, spending winters in Panama City Beach, Florida. Rich found a special place there in a local watering hole called “Patches,” where he quickly felt at home. He enjoyed visiting with the locals, sharing stories, and making the most of his time in the sunshine.
Rich had a special love for his grand-dogs, Jase, Chloe, and Sami. He was always ready to give them plenty of pets and receive all the puppy kisses they had to offer. They could make him laugh with nothing more than a look and they knew Rich was one of the “weakest links” at the dinner table, always waiting patiently for him to share a bite or two from his plate.
Rich will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his son, Ryan, and his wife, Christa, of Sioux Falls, SD; his brother, Michael, and his wife, Joan, of Sioux Falls, SD; sisters-in-law, Kathy Frank of Canton, SD, Cindy Sorenson of Watertown, SD, Bonnie Lien of Brandon, SD, and Kina Ronke and her husband, Richard, of Sioux Falls, SD; special friends, the Bevers family; and many other relatives and friends.
Rich was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Vicki; his parents, Thelmer and Gladys Lien; his brothers, Tom Lien and David Lien; and brothers-in-law, Scott Frank and Robert Sorenson.
Rich will be remembered for his kind heart, his love of family and friends, his passion for classic cars, and the many memories he created throughout his life. His presence will be deeply missed, but the love he shared and the memories he left behind will remain forever in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.